This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 0930 COREHOTEL, 2-chome-8-26 Okubo (10 min from Higashi-shinjuku Station on the Toei Oedo Line) meet up Assistance with purchasing PASMO at the station
  • 0945 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  • 1015 Harajuku Takeshita Street Meiji Shrine visit
  • 1225 Tsukiji Outer Market Kabukiza Theatre Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1330 Asakusa Azuma Bridge Kaminarimon Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1530 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observation Deck
  • 1545 Disband at Tochomae Station

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America, who had arrived in Japan for the first time the previous night. They planned to spend a few days in Tokyo before traveling on to the Kansai region.

Their accommodation had been difficult to finalize, and the address I was given could not be located on Google Street View. I suggested meeting at a nearby convenience store, but since I received no reply, I was somewhat concerned. When I went to the address, I found a simple sign made from wrapped printed material at an angle not visible on Google Street View. It appeared to be a small two-story detached rental property of less than about 30 square meters.

The night before, they had joined a food tour and visited Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho. When they asked, "Is this area safe?", I advised that it should generally be fine as long as it is not the middle of the night, but since it is a place with many intoxicated people, they should take reasonable care.

They mentioned they would revisit Takeshita Street and Shibuya separately. On Takeshita Street, they enjoyed tapioca drinks. At Tsukiji, they were not very interested in the fish but were curious about items such as strawberry daifuku, so I explained that there are plenty of those in Asakusa as well and postponed it a little. In Asakusa, since they wanted a quick bite, they tried soba and rice bowls at Fuji Soba. Along Nakamise, they also enjoyed strawberry daifuku and similar treats.

Finally, since Omoide Yokocho, which I had originally planned, had already been visited the night before, I guided them to the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building. It rained in the morning, which made me a little uneasy, but in the afternoon, although there were some clouds, the vantage point was somewhat high, so we were able to take in almost the entire view.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayHigashi-shinjuku~Shibuya180JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tsukiji210JPY
Section 4SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Tochomae330JPY
Total1,090JPY

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Jul 2, 2026
Susan M
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

Jun 26, 2026
ann r
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
We…

May 18, 2026
B
Beth56646
Great tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…